Saina Nehwal lost in straight games to title holder Carolina Marin (Spain) in the showdown of the mega-event BWF in Jakarta on Sunday (August 16).
The world second seeded Indian went down 16-21 19-21 to her numero uno opponent from in a match which lasted 59 minutes. It was the second successive loss in a final game for Saina even though the silver medal she settled for being the best performance by an Indian in such tournament.
Saina had lost to the same opponent in the All England Championship’s final earlier this year.
Down 13-20, Saina held on for a few points before Carolina closed out the first game when the Indian hit one wide after 24 minutes.
However, In the second game, Saina came back strongly initially, inducing common errors from the aggressive Carolina. Saina led 11-6 at the break, owing it to the much improved performance in baseline rallies.
Neck and Neck at 17-17, while Carolina looked consistently boosted, Saina's body language did not seem quite positive as her rival took a 20-18 lead to inch towards her second successive world title.
The inevitable was delayed when Carolina slowed down the pace for the first Championship point before clinching the second and collapsing to the floor in delight.
While on the other hand, Saina, disappointed, walked off the court quietly having missed yet another opportunity for gold.
"In the second game, I was on the slower side. I was trying to make rallies happen, but the points went very quickly. When you have experience of playing a WC final, it's easier. She was more at ease and not thinking of winning or losing," added Saina, who will become No.1 when the rankings are announced next Thursday.
Despite her win, Carolina who is the reigning No.1, will only retain her 80,612 points and will not get a single point more. However, Saina, who lost in the quarterfinals last year will secure an additional 3600 points which will take her overall tally to 82,792 points.
Saina became world No.1 on April 2, the first time this year and was there for five weeks. The Indian may have a longer tenure this time.
"It is great to see so many shuttlers coming from the Gopichand Academy. I am happy that Padukone Academy, where Saina is practising now, is also producing several players. All these augur well for the development of the game," Harvir Singh said.
(with agency inputs)
By Sree Teja
